Mercedes-Benz C-Class III (W203) gallery (2000–2007)

The third-generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W203) entered production in March 2000, introducing an expressive exterior design defined by twin-peanut headlights and a sleek body with a drag coefficient of 0.26. The chassis lineup catered to diverse buyers with a four-door sedan (W203), five-door estate (S203), and a three-door liftback hatchback known as the Sportcoupe (CL203). Standard safety equipment was upgraded across all models with window-curtain airbags, adaptive front airbags, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), and a multifunction steering wheel.

Powertrains included supercharged M271 four-cylinders, naturally aspirated M112 and M272 V6 engines, and Common Rail CDI turbo-diesels ranging from 2.1 to 3.0 liters. The W203 also introduced 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive to the C-Class segment. High-performance AMG variants featured the supercharged V6 C 32 AMG, the unique C 30 CDI AMG turbo-diesel, and the naturally aspirated V8 C 55 AMG. A major 2004 mid-cycle update brought clear-lens headlights, an overhauled dashboard ergonomics layout, and Direct Control sharper steering calibration.